Thanks to John for contributing his article with regard to Disability and Employment (can be viewed at /articles/disability_employment.htm). Sounds like a common sense approach to a very real dilemma. John has the distinction of being the VERY FIRST contributor. Thanks.

I would invite other HR Practitioners to submit articles for inclusion on this website aimed at supporting job-seekers. Articles will

* be relevant to job-seekers (eg Resume/CV/Interview techniques)

* be ascribed to author (bona fide name/email or URL of home page required)

* make provision for author's bio if desired

* make provision for linked company logo if desired. (A reciprocal link is requested if company logo displayed)

* be freely available to public

* not be restricted in length

* be consistent with the theme of the site

* be subject to minor editing

This is a relatively new site and the template for articles can be seen at the following URL . Please e-mail me at

if you are interested.

PROGRESS ENTERPRISE

<link outdated-removed>

From Australia, Ballarat
Hello.
I am very much interested in knowing if Indian companies really recruit disabled professionals. By disabled i mean Wheelchair dependant. Or is it only on paper?? Even if the companies are satisfied with the skill of such persons do they have the infrastructure?? Or do they maje an effort to improve the infrastructure??
I have visited some of the best IT companies and BPO's and noticed that although they have state of the art Infrastructure they are yet not wheelchair friendly. They have steps and/or floors where independent access to the wheelchair is not possible.
Any members having such employees in their org (especially in HR) i would like to know the name of the company.
Thank you,
~MAVERICK~

From India, Pune
ummmm very true...
Its surprising though that there are hardly any replies to this topic... Im sure atleast 50% of the members on this site are a part of the HR Teams in their respective companies...
I would Like an Honest Answer from Each of you.. You may not disclose your company name. However if Your company does recruit i would love to know the company name through PM or email.
TYVM
~MAVERICK~

From India, Pune
HIE MAVERICK....
DURIN MY COLLEGE DAYZ ONE GIRL WHO WAS UNIVERSTY TOPPER... WAS OFFERED EMPLOYMENT BY PROGEON( AN INFOSYS COMPANY)
LATER THEY REVOKED THE OFFER STATING THAT SHE IS MEDICALLY UNFIT(WHEEL CHAIR). SO WHEN A COMPANY LIKE INFOSYS DOES THAT....WHICH IS VERY SHAMEFUL ON THEIR PART....SO THINK ABT OTHERS...ALL THESE PEOPLE SAY THAT THEY ARE EQUAL OPPURTUNITY EMPLOYERS....BUT THEN U KNW.....
REGARDS
VISHAL

From India, Mumbai
Thanx Vishal..

Yes i totally agree with u... Unfortunately most companies design their infrastructure to make it look classy and posh... however they miss out on making arangements for the lesser abled. There is a act(around 1992) which states that all new constructions should be made wheelchair friendly. However i guess this is only on paper..

We as HR People have to take into consideration such employees who are Academically and Intellectually very fit for the job, however thier work environment does not allow them to recruit such employees.

As we know, the biggest problem faced in most industries today is that of attrition... If our Infrastructure permits us to employ people who are lesser abled as long as they are well qualified for the Job, It is assured that we will have an employee for a long time as such employees if satisfied with the work employment seldom switch jobs for better prospects like most others do...

I would Appeal to each of you HR Managers out there who have a say in their Company to please give it a thought... there are many lesser abled people out there who are much more qualified and intelligent than others, however they do not achieve their desired jobs only on grounds of their disablilty....

Thank You very much and i would like to recieve more inputs from you all with regards to how your companies tackle these situations...

Regards,
~MAVERICK~

From India, Pune
Vishal, I think this kind of problem is ingrained into human behaviour. Like you, I find it very disappointing when I encounter it.
The world of work is a constant balancing act between the business needs of the organisation and the needs and rights of the individual.
In my experience, when people are looked after well (with dignity and respect) their productivity and contributions are even greater than you otherwise would expect. I'm sure you would agree.
I've now worked with a number of people with a disability, and it amazes me how quickly you forget the differences as you work together as a team. As you build relationships they are simply people. Maybe you have to adjust office layout, or equipment, but when this is done well the disability is secondary to the persons abilities and humanity.
PROGRESS ENTERPRISE
<link outdated-removed>

From Australia, Ballarat
I was just thinking about an issue I am providing some guidance on now. One of the managers in our department has asked me about his obligations to an employee with a degenerative condition. She falls over regularly (in an office) and has recently sustained severe dental injuries as a result.

I think this manager would really like to say that the employee is "not fit to undertake her duties", but in fact he admits she gets the work done as well as anyone else. It may be that he is worried that he will be blamed for having an unsafe work environment because of these repeated falls, but I suspect he also feels a little uncomfortable around her.

This employee has never spoken with management about her condition, though she has confided in some of her colleagues. I think this says a lot about the lack of trust in management and an "attitudinal block" on the part of management.

My approach has been to come at the situation from the perspective "What can we, as management, do to support you in your work place and keep you safe". I don't yet want to go down the path of assessing her fitness for work since her performance is as good as anyone else.

I have attached a pdf file with a flow chart as a tool to work with and manage people with a disability or serious health issue. I would love to get some feedback on this if anyone has the time or inclination.

Progress Enterprise

<link outdated-removed>

From Australia, Ballarat
Attached Files (Download Requires Membership)
File Type: pdf staffhealthissues_144.pdf (50.8 KB, 436 views)

numerouno First of all my sincere appreciation for the humanity u show while dealing with your employees.. i will go through the pdf and post my views soon...
Can u please send me a private message on site as to which company you work with if u dont mind.. i assure you confidentiality of the same. It would be of great help to me. Let me assure you that if we have more people like you, the organisations would benefit a great deal from both, the managent as well as the employees..
Kudos Once Again,
Cheers,
~MAVERICK~

From India, Pune
Community Support and Knowledge-base on business, career and organisational prospects and issues - Register and Log In to CiteHR and post your query, download formats and be part of a fostered community of professionals.





Contact Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Terms Of Service

All rights reserved @ 2024 CiteHR ®

All Copyright And Trademarks in Posts Held By Respective Owners.